1

If I were Joe Kelly's wife, I would never get that window fixed, and I would just make him explain what happened every time someone came over.

choster
  • 43,403
Leon
  • 31
  • 1
    I'd use 'came' unless I was in the room with the broken window (and I'm housesitting for the Kellys, and I know Joe Kelly by reputation but don't know Mrs Kelly ...). – Edwin Ashworth May 20 '20 at 13:50
  • 1
    They are both grammatical, and there is no effective difference in meaning in this context. But, with that, came implies a single instance, whereas comes can imply something continual or repeated (a general habit). However, because of the use of every time, that difference is mostly negated. (And the use of came in this particular sentence without every time would only be correct if you changed would to could.) – Jason Bassford May 20 '20 at 15:54
  • 1
    @JasonBassford: Same basic construction: If I didn't smoke myself, I would make you go outside when you light* up* (or ...when you lit* up* - it's all the same to me). I can't see that switching from *would* to *could* affects the *light / lit* choice. – FumbleFingers May 20 '20 at 18:42
  • Does this answer your question? Is it correct to say "What was your name?"? – Lambie May 26 '20 at 15:55

0 Answers0